The Dunbar Theatre
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Erected here by Black bankers, this theater was home to the Lafayette Players, popular vaudeville entertainers. Later bought by white interests and renamed the Lincoln, it hosted major Black performers from the 1920s into the 1940s.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The Dunbar Theatre was built by Black bankers in Philadelphia and became home to the Lafayette Players, a celebrated troupe of Black vaudeville and dramatic performers. Later sold to white owners and renamed the Lincoln, it continued to host major Black entertainers from the 1920s into the 1940s. It stood as a cornerstone of African American cultural life during the era of the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Migration.
Why it matters
The theater embodies Black entrepreneurship and the flowering of African American performing arts in the early 20th century, even amid the shifting realities of ownership and segregation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.9 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Philosophical Hall0.9 mi away · PA
- Old City Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Italian market0.6 mi away · Christian Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.7 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.8 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.8 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.7 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.7 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.7 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.7 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.7 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.2 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Themes & tags
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